What’s driving equity traders' participation in crypto market today?

Why is the crypto market rising today? What factors are fueling renewed optimism and a surge in interest towards crypto assets, particularly among traders from traditional arenas? While acceptance of crypto assets has been slower among Indian traders, their Western counterparts, especially traditional traders in the US, embraced it much earlier. For them, exploring crypto opens doors to new opportunities beyond traditional markets, with a wide array of products and services available.

Crypto is appealing to the Indian Equity Traders

Indian equity traders are increasingly drawn to the crypto market for several compelling reasons. The high volatility of crypto assets, characterized by substantial price swings within short periods, offers the potential for significant returns. Traders adept at predicting market movements capitalize on these fluctuations, finding lucrative opportunities for short-term trading and arbitrage.


Moreover, crypto provides diversification benefits. By incorporating crypto assets into their portfolios, equity traders can spread their investments beyond traditional stocks and bonds, potentially spreading overall portfolio risk. Unlike conventional financial assets, crypto assets often exhibit low correlation with traditional markets and macroeconomic factors, offering a hedge against downturns in equities.

The 24/7 availability of the crypto market is another major attraction. Unlike equity markets with specific trading hours and holidays, the crypto market operates around the clock. This continuous access allows traders to respond to market movements at any time, enhancing flexibility and expanding opportunities for profit.

What Equity Traders Seek from Crypto Exchanges
As the crypto asset class is comparatively newer and many Exchanges in India started only a few years back, traders who are new to crypto are not fully aware of features, products and services that exchanges offer. To solve this, crypto exchanges have introduced specialized services for high volume traders and HNIs, and provided them early access to new products /services and customised financial solutions.

Like equity trading apps, traders expect high liquidity and advanced trading tools, for instance, various order types that are essential for implementing sophisticated trading strategies. A user-friendly interface is crucial, enabling traders to navigate platforms effortlessly and execute trades efficiently.

Access to comprehensive technical analysis reports is also highly valued, as it helps traders identify potential opportunities and make informed decisions.

Unlike equity trading apps, investors and traders should be aware that Crypto Exchanges give access to multiple markets and tokens that are accessible to global investors, ensuring that traders can execute transactions swiftly and at optimal prices.

Equity traders are increasingly interested in crypto derivatives products for leverage trading. API trading on spot and derivative products can further maximize trading opportunities by allowing for automated and algorithmic trading strategies. Incentives and rewards, such as loyalty and referral programs, enhance the trading experience, while round-the-clock customer support and assistance with tax matters provide essential support.

Understanding and complying with evolving regulations is vital in this dynamic landscape. Traders prefer exchanges that are trusted and reputable, minimizing the risk of scams and ensuring regulatory compliance. Investors must be aware that in India it is mandatory for the exchanges to be FIU IND compliant.

VIP Programs: A Strategic Advantage

Recognizing the needs of high-volume traders, many Indian exchanges have introduced VIP programs similar to those offered by global counterparts. These programs serve multiple strategic purposes: they incentivize high-volume traders, enhance user retention and loyalty, attract institutional and high-net-worth clients, generate extra revenue, and contribute to market stability and liquidity.

VIP programs offer exclusive benefits and personalized services, fostering a loyal and active trading community. By providing these perks, exchanges gain valuable insights for continuous improvement and maintain a competitive edge in the market. Ultimately, these programs contribute to the long-term success and growth of the exchanges and the broader VDA market.

(The author Mridul Gupta is COO, CoinDCX. Views are own)